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universities south africalatest news & developments
Restoring integrity and protecting universities from political and commercial predation are priorities for Universities South Africa (USAf), the membership body representing all 26 public universities in South Africa.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Universities South Africa sounds alarm on rising campus governance risks

Several universities are facing deepening governance crises marked by institutional capture, leadership instability and weakened accountability systems, say higher education…

  • Edwin Naidu
8 min read
The University of Fort Hare, pictured, and Mangosuthu University of Technology are among those grappling with governance strain.
EDUCATION

Universities must confront the shadow of institutional capture

South Africa’s universities face growing risks of “institutional capture”, with Universities South Africa warning of governance failures, political interference and rising…

  • Edwin Naidu
5 min read
The University of Fort Hare has formally charged its vice-chancellor, Professor Sakhela Buhlungu.
BEATA MTYINGIZANA BUHLUNGU

‘Mr President, you failed me’ – University of Fort Hare corruption fallout reaches Ramaphosa

Vice-chancellor professor Sakhela Buhlungu has been suspended and now faces disciplinary action, despite a report that allegedly found no wrongdoing. The move has reignited…

  • Edwin Naidu
5 min read
Academics say claims by politicians and on social media are fueling xenophobia and could compromise their safety. Photo: Julian Stratenschulte/picture alliance /Getty Images
ACADEMIC BOYCOTTS

South African research funds ‘at risk’ over Gaza stance

A number of local universities may face cuts to their funding after cutting ties with Israeli institutions

  • Edwin Naidu
3 min read
NSFAS board chairperson Ernest Khosa. (OJ Koloti, Gallo Images)
BLADE NZIMANDE

NSFAS urges unpaid students to get accredited to avoid ‘ghost payments’

National Student Financial Aid Scheme implements new system to streamline financial support and root out fraudulent payments while thousands are awaiting for allowances

  • Lyse Comins
7 min read
Brought to book: Students started protesting against tertiary education fees in 2015 with the Fees Must Fall movement. Nsfas funding still fails to cover the so-called missing middle students. Photo: Michele Spatari/AFP
AHMED BAWA

University funding crisis: Economy crumbling under weighty student debt

Student debt is growing quickly and, if something doesn’t change, it could jeopardise the country’s already struggling economy

  • Sarah Smit
7 min read
Higher education minister Blade Nzimande, who was the first to make a presentation, asked to be excused straight afterwards, because he had another important meeting he needed to attend.
ANC

Portfolio committee on higher education criticises ministry for not taking it seriously

Neither the minister nor deputy minister stayed for the duration of an urgent committee meeting to discuss funding challenges for university students

  • Bongekile Macupe
5 min read
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) has suspended all contact classes, examinations and assessments at its East London campus for two weeks. Students will also be confined to their residences.
BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY

WSU suspends classes and exams to avoid the spread of Covid-19

The university says it has to take the precautionary measures because 26 students have tested positive on its East London campus

  • Bongekile Macupe
4 min read
(John McCann)
COMMISSION FOR GENDER EQUALITY

Few women leaders in academia

Patriarchal culture still dominates university leadership in SA, despite an abundance of qualified women

  • Bongekile Macupe
7 min read
The lived reality for women in South Africa is they get turned away at our police stations. They are told that domestic violence is a family matter. They are sent from one office to another. If they do actually get someone willing to open their case, the case files disappear into delay
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION

New education policy on gender violence released

Universities and other higher education institutions have to develop ways of preventing or dealing with rape and other damaging behaviour

  • Bongekile Macupe
3 min read
Universities have taken steps such as deactivating their biometric systems to combat the spread of coronavirus.
CORONAVIRUS

South African universities record 22 deaths from Covid-19

A Universities South Africa survey shows that 20 people — 19 staff members and one student — at local universities have died after contracting the coronavirus

  • Bongekile Macupe
3 min read
Higher education minister, Blade Nzimande. File photo
FEESMUSTFALL

Students need unity from leadership, not Twitter wars

Universities South Africa is an important voice that we should look to in the higher education sector. Unfortunately it is often inaudible

  • Bongekile Macupe
4 min read
Universities have taken steps such as deactivating their biometric systems to combat the spread of coronavirus.
CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

How South African universities are preparing for coronavirus

UP has temporarily disabled its biometric access systems, and several other institutions have established task teams ready to leap into action when Covid-19 hits their campuses

  • Bongekile Macupe
2 min read
(Graphic by John McCann/M&G)
HIGHER EDUCATION

Thousands of students still fail to take up Nsfas funding

The financial scheme assisting those in higher learning institutions says it is ready for the year ahead, but many don’t know that they qualify

  • Bongekile Macupe
2 min read
Access to knowledge: The Cecil H Green library at Stanford University. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions holds the same view on copyright as USAf.
AHMED BAWA

USAf’s position on Bill in line with its mission

Universities South Africa takes exception to André Myburgh’s characterisation of its submission on the Copyright Amendment Bill

  • Ahmed Bawa
4 min read
In a statement on Thursday, the committee said that, although it respects the autonomy of universities to decide on salaries, it was concerned about the high pay some senior managers receive. (Oupa Nkosi)
ADAM HABIB

MPs want inquiry into academics’ pay

The portfolio committee on higher education says that vice-chancellors salaries are not justifiable due to university performance

  • Bongekile Macupe
3 min read
BONGEKILE MACUPE

“Excuses” hinder varsity transformation, academics say

Academics say that while a lot of ground has been covered when it comes to higher education, a lot more still needs to be done

  • Bongekile Macupe
4 min read
Higher education minister Blade Nzimande, who was the first to make a presentation, asked to be excused straight afterwards, because he had another important meeting he needed to attend.
BLADE NZIMANDE

Nzimande warns vice-chancellors against going behind his back

Minister tells academics he is responsible for higher education and they cannot undermine him by going to the presidency without talking to him first

  • Bongekile Macupe
5 min read
Professor Wim de Villiers, Stellenbosch University’s vice-chancellor. (Stefan Els/University of Stellenbosch)
BONGEKILE MACUPE

Academics gather to discuss South Africa’s university of the future

USAf is hosting its first ever national higher education conference to discuss challenges and successes in the higher education sector

  • Bongekile Macupe
3 min read
Generative AI, cybersecurity threats, new labour-market demands and accelerated technological change are now reshaping universities. (John McCann/M&G)
4IR

Universities are key to 4IR employment

Graduates need to learn critical, transdisciplinary skills if they are to thrive in the modern workplace

  • Tawana Kupe
6 min read